ADHD

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What is ADHD?

Every individual with ADHD experiences ADHD in their own way but it can manifest through hyperactivity or restlessness, hyper focus, impulsiveness and difficulty in focus.

Challenges associated.

Every individual will experience ADHD in their own way. Some challenges may include:

☀️Prioritising and managing time.

☀️Remembering information

☀️Difficulty relaxing often associated with an uncomfortable sense of restlessness or irritability.

☀️Excessive talking

☀️Difficulty waiting their turn- may interrupt conversations unintentionally.

☀️Sensory sensitive

☀️Act quickly  

Sensitivity to rejection and criticism known as Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (RSD) (This can lead to a strong sense of social justice.)

Overactive thought process- This can make individuals seem like they are coming across as being rude and uninterested when in fact they are processing lots of different thoughts and sensations at one time. Some people describe it as being like a computer with lots of tabs open.

Strengths associated.

Individuals with ADHD may face some challenges, but they also have many amazing strengths and skills that should be embraced in nursing! Strengths/Skills may include:

☀️Oddles of enthusiasm and passion

☀️Emphathy and senstiivity

☀️Extremely energetic

☀️Great sense of humour

☀️Hard working

☀️Extremely creative and entrepreneurial

☀️Productive

Anonymous student nurse stated: “I always wondered why I felt so on edge all the time, I knew this was more than just anxiety. I found myself always craving a new project and challenge in my life in order to feel content.  When I first suspected I had ADHD I visited the Mental Health nurse at my practice who referred me for testing, but the waiting list was longer than ever, so I sought private testing which was well worth the investment!  The diagnosis has provided me with unanswered questions about myself and given me a road of support that I needed.

The NICE guidance can provide some information about the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

How you can support colleagues and students who have ADHD?

*Have patience!

*Recognise the individual for who they are and find out how you can BEST support them as an individual. This may be as simple as asking the individual how you can best support them and understand how they learn.

*Educate yourself about the challenges and strengths of ADHD!

*Be mindful!

*Be kind!